Vehicle Emissions Testing Program

We find that the lines at testing facilities are the longest at the end of the month, so “Don't Delay – Test Today!” Keep in mind that many motorists choose Saturdays to go to the testing facilities, so if you can, plan your test for a weekday. Remember, neglecting to test your vehicle can result in registration denial. See Test Day Tips below for ways to make your test go smoothly.

Illinois EPA Vehicle Emissions Testing Program Changes

The Illinois EPA is modifying the Vehicle Emissions Testing Program to have one standardized test at all Illinois Inspection and Maintenance testing facilities. This improvement to the program is expected to result in more efficient and quicker testing, since only the computer-based, On-Board Diagnostics test will be used for the vast majority of testing performed.

This change is due to the Governor signing legislation that eliminates the idle exhaust and gas cap tests after January 31, 2012. As part of this legislative change, the following vehicles will be exempt from the emissions test requirement:

All gasoline-powered vehicles with a manufacturer's GVWR greater than 14,000 pounds (regardless of model year).

Only two percent of the vehicles currently tested receive an idle and gas cap test which were designed primarily for older, carbureted vehicles. Air quality modeling performed by the Agency demonstrates that dropping these older tests, currently performed on very few vehicles, will have little effect on air quality.

Tips for a successful test:

Have your vehicle tested as soon as possible, even if your check engine light is on. This allows for ample time to repair and have the vehicle re-tested. It also aids in diagnosing the problem.

You may test your vehicle if your check engine light is on.

Avoid testing at the end of the month and on Saturdays, since these are the busiest testing times.

Ensure your vehicle is safe to operate. Your vehicle may be rejected if the test cannot be safely conducted.

When you arrive at the testing station, leave the engine running unless directed otherwise.

Stations are closed on Sundays and State Holidays. Check your testing notice for the complete list.

Prior To Arriving at the Test Station:

Please bring your vehicle's test notice with you to the test station.

Make sure the vehicle brought in for testing matches the vehicle identified on the test notice.

Please drive your vehicle for at least 15 minutes prior to entering the test station to ensure that your vehicle is adequately warmed-up for the inspection.

If your 1996 or newer OBD-equipped vehicle has a covered or otherwise obstructed diagnostic link connector (DLC), please open or remove the cover (consult owner's manual for location and instructions), or remove the obstruction prior to arriving at the test station.

If your 1996 or newer OBD-equipped vehicle has recently been serviced, or if the battery has been disconnected, please drive the vehicle for several days before bringing it in for inspection.

Ensure your vehicle is safe to operate. Your vehicle may be rejected if the test cannot be safely conducted.

At the Test Station:

When you arrive, leave the engine running unless directed otherwise.

Inform the inspector when entering the test lane if the license plate number on the vehicle is different from the number on your test notice.